Katadyn/Pur Hiker filter review (lifetime of replacement filters?)

[Sunshine Smoker]

I purchased this filter about 2 years ago when I started hiking, and although I haven't used any other, I would recomend it. After reading other reviews on the internet I agree that the Hiker has a pump that is a little akward to use, however it packs small and weighs only 11 oz. Plus, they say it can filter 1qt/min. (I have never timed this, but a min of pumping this filter is a lot longer than it sounds, and a quart of water is a lot less than it sounds) and if you're having trouble with the $35 Katadyn replacement filter, look around for the old Pur filters, which usually cost less.

I have hiked all 70 odd mi of AT in NJ, and most of the 40 in MD over long weekends and week-long hikes, with a partner. I haven't had to replace the filter and it has never clogged. So far our only trouble with this filter is that it can be difficult to pump (takes some muscle) and difficult to handle (requires a third hand or a smart set-up to pump, hold water container, and keep your intake hose where you want it), but we work together and neither has been a big problem for us. I don't know how other filters compare.

I would like to ask others who own this filter- about how many trail days or trail miles you got from a filter? and what the filter looked like when you took it out (how dirty, what color, etc...)
Pur's website claims you can filter up to 200 gallons (depending on water quality) with each replacement filter. Do you agree?
Please note if you used coffee filters in addition to the included pre-filter

[MOWGLI]

I
Pur's website claims you can filter up to 200 gallons (depending on water quality) with each replacement filter. Do you agree?
Please note if you used coffee filters in addition to the included pre-filter

If you're careful, you can get alot of life out of your filter. I haven't used a bandana or coffee filter, but I might this summer. I'd like to avoid silting my filter and get another 325 miles out of it this summer - which is about how many miles I plan to backpack.

[Lilred]

I got 330 miles out of my filter, but I had lost the styrofoam floatie on it and was sucking from the bottom of water sources, not good for the life of a filter. I have since bought a foldable water bucket, which makes getting the water a breeze. I just fill the bucket at the source and filter back at my campsite, after letting the silt settle. (I have since replaced the floatie). The bucket only weighs a few ounces and folds to the size of a pack of cigs. It's made by Seattle Sport.
Try using an alligator clip on the outlet hose. Clip it to the side of whatever you're filtering in and no more hose popping out of your water containers. If it is getting hard to pump, that is one indicator that the filter needs changing.

[CeeJay]

We used the Hiker for most of the northern half of the AT and changed the filter once. We were pumping water for two people. I used a piece of panty hose over the end of the pre-filter which I think really saved both the pre-filter and the filter.

[icemanat95]

I used a PUR Scout filter from the southern edge of MA through to Maine without having to change the filter element. A coffee filter over the intake filter made a huge difference.

[Peaks]

I got over 1000 miles out a cartridge.

Some one once said that with steady use, such as on a thru-hike, you should expect about 2 months out of a cartridge before the alge builds up inside.

[Fiddler]

This is not the same filter I use, but this trick works with any of them. Since you know you will need a new filter element eventually, go ahead and get it now. If you have used your filter 2 years you don't know how much harder it is pumping since the change is gradual and you don't really notice the change coming on. Pump some water at home with the filter. Then put in the new element and pump more water. If there is a lot of difference in the effort it's time for the new element. If there is not much difference put the old element back in and completely dry the new element for storage.

[Gray Blazer]

I got over 1000 miles out a cartridge.

Some one once said that with steady use, such as on a thru-hike, you should expect about 2 months out of a cartridge before the alge builds up inside.

When you're not using your filter, put a little bleach in the water and pump it on thru.

[icemanat95]

Built up crud will not be removed by bleach. If it sits in the filter long enough it may weaken the cell structure of the growth enough to break it up, but it may also damage the filter, its seals, etc. rather badly as well.

[Greentick18d]

...they say it can filter 1qt/min. (I have never timed this, but a min of pumping this filter is a lot longer than it sounds, and a quart of water is a lot less than it sounds)...

I just got a Hiker Pro a few months ago and think it is great. It claims 48 pumps per liter. This seemed to be the case - exactly (per a graduated nalgene). This is helpful if you are refilling a bladder inside of a pack - you can count the strokes based on the bladder size. I did not find it to be difficult to pump - quite the opposite. But I have an older ceramic katadyn filter and it is much harder than the hiker, by way of comparison.

[Gray Blazer]

No, don't leave bleach in it. Just run enough thru to kill the bacteria and then rinse with clean water.

[Tipi Walter]

I've used the Pur/Katadyn Hiker for the last 5 years of near constant backpacking and in that time I've broken two pump handles and went thru around 4 to 5 filter elements. The way the pump handle is attached to the pump slide is sketchy and breaks easily but I fixed it with a long wood screw thru the top of the handle and down into the slide, making it stronger than the original.

The filter element can be removed on a trip and washed out in a fast moving creek. This is helpful after sucking up silt and mud when your water source is just a seep in the dead leaves and dirt. It collects alot of debris that can easily be removed and prolongs the life of the thing. After a trip I remove the filter element and let it air dry for a day or two.

My problem now is finding replacement filters as I've been to three backpacking stores in the last month and none were in stock. The Hiker Pro upgrade and the consequent 10 dollar increase in price seems to be a strange development in an otherwise excellent filter. Would I get another one? I already have a backup in its fancy black zippered stuff sack(NOT an improvement over the old drawstring sack).

[freefall]

From Ga to PA I replaced the filter twice on my Hiker. I probably could have used them longer but new filter=easier pumping. And I didn't use any prefilter. I will say that I saw evidence of broken Hikers along the trail more than any other filter. But that may be that there are more of them out there than the others.

[MAD777]

I recommend the ULA H2O Amigo gravity filter. No pumping, no moving parts to break, etc. You still have to replace the filter but it is an inline filter and can be replaced by most any brand, ULA, Seychelles, Sawyer, etc. based on price and availability.